The WWE Universe has long supported Kairi Sane throughout her career, whether as a villain or a fan-favorite. On Night One of WrestleMania XL in 2024, Kairi Sane joined Dakota Kai and Asuka in an eight-minute trios match against Jade Cargill, Naomi, and Bianca Belair, which ended in defeat for Sane’s team. After the match, Mark Henry faced backlash for publicly criticizing Sane’s behavior during the event, accusing her of showing disrespect by dancing out of the ring as opponents entered the arena. Recently, Henry offered a direct apology to Sane backstage at WWE Evolution, resolving the controversy with a personal conversation and a hug.
Details of Mark Henry’s Apology at WWE Evolution II Event
Mark Henry, an Olympic athlete turned WWE legend, reflected on the WrestleMania XL moment during the WWE Evolution II pay-per-view in Atlanta. Despite no current WWE contract, Henry returned to the organization’s fold as a WWE Legend and made the rounds backstage at the State Farm Arena. He took the opportunity to speak with Kairi Sane after previously voicing his anger at her actions during WrestleMania, clarifying his intent and apologizing for the public backlash.
Henry recounted the backstage interaction during an appearance on Busted Open Radio, explaining how he approached Asuka to pass a message to Sane. He stated,
“I saw Kairi Sane and Asuka talking, and I said, ‘Man, I’ve never got to address Philadelphia WrestleMania,’ where I said that if I was a woman and I was wrestling Kairi Sane, I would take her head off because Kairi Sane was in the ring, got her entrance, and then when I think it was Bianca’s entrance came, she kept doing the pirate thing. he ate up the time,”
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend
Henry emphasized that he did not intend his remarks as a threat and wanted to clear up any misunderstandings. He asked Asuka to relay his clarification to Sane, saying,
“I was like, ‘You know, Kairi’s standing right there,’ and I said [to Asuka], ‘Can you let Kairi know that I did not threaten her? The internet said that I threatened her.’ I said this, and Asuka interrupted me, and said, ‘No, we talk about this. She told me that it was like teaching. It was like learning.’ She was grateful that I said what I said, so all of you fans out there that came for me, kiss my a*s, because you manufactured hate and angst between two wrestlers when it was a teaching moment,”
—Mark Henry, WWE Legend
The discussion between Henry and Sane ended warmly with the two sharing a hug backstage. Henry noted that Sane understood his perspective and held no anger toward him for his earlier criticism. This exchange ended any lingering tension from the WrestleMania incident.
Mark Henry’s Career Path and Current WWE Relationship
Mark Henry’s legacy began as a competitor at the 1996 Summer Olympics before launching a distinguished wrestling career in WWE. After retiring as an in-ring competitor in 2017, he transitioned to backstage roles and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2018. Henry’s active WWE career ended in early 2021, but he resurfaced in wrestling as a coach and commentator for AEW later that year. Though he declined a contract renewal and departed AEW in May 2024, Henry’s recent activities reveal an ongoing connection with WWE as a Legend, highlighted by his appearance at Evolution II and interaction with current talent including Kairi Sane and Asuka.
Significance of the Apology and Its Impact on WWE Dynamics
This backstage apology from Mark Henry to Kairi Sane highlights the professionalism and respect underpinning WWE’s locker room culture. By addressing the misunderstanding in person, Henry and Sane demonstrated maturity and mutual respect that contrasts with the online backlash their exchange generated. This moment serves to dispel rumors of personal conflict and showcases how criticism within the wrestling business can be constructive and educational rather than confrontational. Fans can expect a continued positive working relationship between Henry, who remains an influential figure behind the scenes, and rising stars like Sane as WWE evolves.
